With the pound sterling continuing its two-year decline against the U.S. dollar, the number of British tourists to New York City is likely on the decline. And after "Bedbug Cases on the Rise in NY" was published last Friday on the BBC Web site, you can bet that more folks will reconsider taking a vacation in the Big Apple.

As we reported last month in "By the Numbers: Bedbug Complaints Soar in New York City," the number of bedbug complaints to New York's 311 hotline soared almost 34 percent during the last fiscal year.

The BBC story highlighted visitors to New York City who got bit by bedbugs and returned home with Cimex lectularius along with the usual souvenirs. Learn more about bedbugs and how to deal with them at home. When you're traveling in an area where bedbugs are a concern—the problem is definitely not isolated to New York City—here's what to do:

Inspect your room. Before you hit the minibar or unpack your bags, lift the mattress and examine the folds and seams in the bed linens for telltale signs of bedbugs—dark-brown and reddish fecal spots. Consider packing a small flashlight to assist your inspection.

Keep your luggage off limits. If possible, hang clothes in the closet so they're out of reach of carpet-creeping bedbugs. Pack large plastic trash bags to house your luggage while in the hotel. Once home, don't just dump your baggage on the bed. Wash all your packed clothing—even if it's clean—and dry with high heat. Inspect and vacuum your empty suitcase, then seal it in a plastic bag away from your bed, and if possible, store it in a hot area of your house, such as the attic. If it's warm outside, leave your luggage in your car for a day to cook any remaining critters.

Essential information: Visit The Journal of Americans Medical Association Web site after 4 p.m. ET on March 31 to read about a study that examines the consequences of bedbug bites.